Singapore urges ASEAN, China to conclude COC

ASEAN and China should ‘expeditiously’ conclude the Code of Conduct in
the East Sea (COC) to ease tension in the region, Singaporean Minister
for Defence Ng Eng Hen said.

The minister made
the statement at the opening ceremony of the 2015 International Maritime
Defence Exhibition Asia (IMDEX Asia) on May 19.

According to the minister, once the COC is agreed upon, it will allow
all sides to peacefully settle disputes based on internationally
accepted norms and legal frameworks.

He said
such territorial disputes are among the maritime challenges that can be
potential disruptive to maritime trade routes in this part of the world
and affect not only Singapore but also global economy. All countries
therefore share a collective interest to keep the regional sea lines of
communication open and secure, he added.

The Minister of
Defence also highlighted two other threats – maritime terrorism and
piracy and sea robbery. Citing the successful suppression of piracy and
sea robbery in the Malacca Straits, he urged expanded efforts in new
hotspots in the East Sea.

To address these
challenges, involved nations must continue to engage in dialogues and
practical cooperation, such as joint military exercises, to promote
stable military relations in the region, he stressed.

Speaking at the event, the United States Vice Chief of naval
operations Michelle Howard voiced her concern over China’s recent land
reclamation in the East Sea, and called on China to explain its works.

The IMDEX 2015, running through May 21, attracted around 70 delegations of high-ranking delegations from 40 countries.-VNA